Minute by Minute (Live 1991)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Minute by Minute (Live 1991)" by Michael McDonald from the album Live at the Beacon, a track that captures the soulful energy of his performance with the New York Rock and Soul Revue. This live rendition, recorded at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on March 1 and 2, 1991, features Boz Scaggs on vocals and a trumpet by Chris Anderson, adding a vibrant layer to the song’s jazzy R&B groove. The performance is part of a project led by Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, which brought together artists like Phoebe Snow and Charles Brown for a unique musical showcase. In a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, McDonald reflected on the song’s studio version, noting its surprising success despite a friend’s doubt that it “just doesn’t have it.” He credited co-writer Lester Abrams for its smooth, soul-oriented sound, which transformed the Doobie Brothers’ rock roots into something “phlegmatic,” as described by Spin magazine.

The song’s live version carries a special anecdote from its album release by Giant Records. AllMusic critic William Ruhlman called the album an “entertaining souvenir,” emphasizing the Beacon Theatre’s status as a favorite venue for Fagen, which added to the event’s electric atmosphere. On X, McDonald celebrated the original Minute by Minute album’s 45th anniversary in 2023, highlighting its four Grammy wins, including Best Pop Vocal Performance for this track, underscoring its enduring appeal to fans, or “Zoo Freaks,” tuning into THE ZOO. The song’s laid-back, blue-eyed soul vibe, praised by Ultimate Classic Rock as one of the Doobie Brothers’ greatest, resonates with the hippie spirit of the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning sessions.

Michael McDonald’s journey to becoming a soulful icon began in Ferguson, Missouri, where he was born on February 12, 1952. Growing up, he was influenced by Broadway show tunes, R&B, and the British Invasion, forming his first band, Mike and the Majestics, in high school. In a 2018 interview with the Austin American-Statesman, he recalled hearing Edwin Starr’s “Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.)” as a pivotal moment, inspiring him to chase sophisticated arrangements. By the late 1960s, he honed his keyboard and vocal skills in St. Louis nightclubs before moving to Los Angeles in 1970. There, he recorded demos and joined Steely Dan as a session vocalist and keyboardist in 1973, contributing to hits like “Peg” and “Black Friday.” His big break came in 1975 when Doobie Brothers guitarist Jeff Baxter recommended him to replace an ailing Tom Johnston on tour, leading to a permanent role that redefined the band’s sound with his gospel-inflected style.

Fans can connect with Michael McDonald through his official website, where updates on his memoir What a Fool Believes and tour dates are shared. His Facebook page offers glimpses into his performances, like duets with Dolly Parton, while his Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes moments. On X, he engages with fans, celebrating milestones like the Minute by Minute anniversary. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Michael McDonald Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community sharing concert memories and rare tracks. Additionally, fan sites like michaelmcdonald.com (also his official site) and AllMusic provide detailed discographies and career insights, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s audience spinning his records at THE ZOO.